Can Roofers Work in the Rain?

You've been excited to install a new roof. But after weeks of planning and anticipating, the forecast is full of rain clouds, and now you’re wondering: Do roofers work in the rain? While roofing contractors often try to schedule jobs when the weather is pleasant, we all know that the elements can be unpredictable. 

Rain can halt any home improvement project, especially a new roof. Learn why installing a roof in the rain isn’t safe or smart.

Roofers Won’t Install a Roof in the Rain 

It looks like the weather will take a turn for the worse right when your roofing replacement project is supposed to start, despite your best efforts at planning. Your roof protects your home from wind and rain, but installation must happen in dry conditions.

Roofing contractors always monitor the weather. They won’t install roofs when it rains because any moisture can sneak in, get trapped, and affect the quality of your roof. 

Why You Should Not Install a Roof in the Rain 

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t install a roof in the rain. From dangerous conditions to potential issues with your roof down the road, your best bet is to wait for better weather.

Can Ruin the Integrity of Your Installation

Rain during roof replacement can lead to your roofing deck getting wet, leading to mold, mildew, warping, and potentially the failure of your new roof. Certain roofing components, such as decks, boards, and felts, are sensitive to water. 

Roofing shingles won't adhere to a wet roof and can slip off. Besides, installing in the rain violates most building codes. Roofers might be liable for damage, so they won’t install a roof in the rain because they can’t guarantee quality craftsmanship in wet conditions.

Diminishes the Longevity of Roofing Materials 

If you install your roof while it’s raining, there’s a good chance that moisture will get trapped under your shingles, leading to wood rot and mold growth.

While it’s possible to remove mold from the top of shingles, if there’s mold underneath, you must first remove the shingles. So instead of enjoying shingles that last decades, you could potentially need to replace them in years.

Moreover, wood rot on your roof can require very expensive repairs. It could start with costs for a roof inspection and go up from there. The rot can lead to a sagging roof, which costs $750 to $3,000 to fix. If the problem is even worse, you could face roof replacement costs ranging between $6,000 to $12,500. So all in all, it’s best to avoid rain during roof installation.

Creates a Hazardous Work Environment

Safety is always a primary consideration for roofing contractors. Roofing in the rain requires caution because shingles will get slippery and cause workers to slip and fall, even when following correct safety procedures. Roofing specialists and contractors shouldn’t be working in such hazardous conditions. 

Be sure to check with your roofer if they have the proper insurance. If not, liability for any injuries on your property could fall on you. Overall, it’s best to let the pros with extensive roof replacement training call these important shots.

Can Void Your Warranty

Roofing manufacturers require roofers and homeowners to follow specific steps to maintain warranties, including not installing components in the rain.

What if My Roof Is Leaking?

Roof installations in the rain can be tricky and dangerous for professionals, but what about roof repairs? Well, they carry the same risks to the health and safety of anyone working. Even small repair jobs, like fixing leaks, can become hazardous once the sky opens up.

However, there is an advantage to working on a leaking roof during rain. The biggest challenge to fixing a leaky roof is finding the exact location of the damage when it isn’t leaking. When it rains, a roofer can observe the leak in real time and gain a starting point for their repair. This method is more efficient than doing extra work on parts of the roof that aren’t damaged.

Because of this advantage, roofers will sometimes address the repair by marking the leaky section of the roof. Then, they will return to it when the weather clears up.

What Happens if It Starts to Rain During Roof Installation?

While roofers can complete smaller projects in a day, others may take several. It's possible that rain may come unexpectedly. This is especially true if you live in an area that is prone to rain or if you’re DIYing the job and learning how to install metal roofing or other types of roofs.

Your roofers should be prepared to quickly cover up any open areas under tarps. This includes everything from the shingles to the soffit and fascia materials. Any work will need to stop during this period. 

It's a good idea for roofers to work on one section at a time to minimize exposure in case of unpredictable rain or thunderstorms.

When You Should Postpone Roofing Work

In general, it’s not a good idea to postpone roofing work. The longer a problem with your roof goes unchecked, the more severe it will become. However, sometimes the weather has ideas that don’t mesh well with roofing work. On top of the safety issues, most roofing materials have to be completely dry before installation.

You should postpone roofing work under the following conditions:

• Any amount of rainfall

• High winds or hurricane or tornado conditions

• Extreme cold during winter

• Snow, freezing rain, or hail

• The presence of lightning (with or without rain)

What Should You Do if Your Roofer Is Working in the Rain?

The standing policy for many roofing companies is not to work when it rains. That doesn’t always stop contractors from deciding to take the risk and push through the weather. Though the dedication to the job may seem admirable, it isn’t ideal for multiple reasons.

If you notice your roofer still working once the weather turns sour, you should do everything you can to document the fact. Rain adversely impacts the quality of roofing materials and their installation, and you could wind up on the hook for subpar work caused by poor weather. Roofing companies carry insurance for these scenarios to reduce or eliminate your liability for a contractor roofing in the rain.

Before hiring a roofer, check the company’s insurance policies. Unfortunately, not every contractor will cover the cost of injuries to their workers and damage to your home. If you’re unwilling to take on the risk of liability, find a roofing company that insures their workers without passing any financial responsibilities onto you.

Things to Consider Before Installing Your Roof

Installing a new roof can be a big investment; it takes a considerable amount of time, effort, and money. With that said, it’s best not to waste these resources by making sure that the work is done under the right conditions. 

Plan According to the Weather Forecast

Always check the forecast before starting the job. If the weather forecast is bad, postpone your appointment to a better time to install the roof for optimal results.

Ask Potential Contractors About Safeguards  

Before hiring a local roofer, ask them about the precautions they will take if it starts to rain while installing the roof and come to an agreement before the job begins. Roof costs can get steep, so there’s no reason to take any shortcuts or rush the job.

Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.